Hinduism and Abortion Somik Raha Stanford University

Somik Raha

Stanford University

Core Beliefs Sarvam Khalidam Brahma All this is really Brahman, God, Divine in Nature Chandogya Upanishad

Sarvam Khalidam Brahma

All this is really Brahman, God, Divine in Nature

Chandogya Upanishad

Core Beliefs Neha Naanaasti Kinchana There is not the least trace of multiplicity here. Katha Upanishad

Neha Naanaasti Kinchana

There is not the least trace of multiplicity here.

Katha Upanishad

Core Beliefs Mrtyoh sa mrtyum gachhati Ya iha naaneva pashyati One goes from death to death Who seems to see differences here Katha Upanishad

Mrtyoh sa mrtyum gachhati

Ya iha naaneva pashyati

One goes from death to death

Who seems to see differences here

Katha Upanishad

Implication What is really here See the world truly Surface Differences

What is really here

See the world truly

Surface Differences

Implication This is Hinduism. The technique is to fill the mind with such thoughts; then approach all the many practical questions that life challenges us with. God is present in the mother, and in the embryo as well. How can one make a blanket rule regarding pro-life or pro-choice?

This is Hinduism. The technique is to fill the mind

with such thoughts; then approach all the many

practical questions that life challenges us with.

God is present in the mother, and in the embryo as well.

How can one make a blanket rule regarding pro-life or

pro-choice?

Applied to Abortion With a heart filled with love, do what is best for both mother and embryo in each case under its own peculiar circumstances. Every problem has its own dynamic, and if approached in the right way by all parties, the proper solution will manifest of its own accord, by its own inevitable logic.

With a heart filled with love, do what is best for both mother and

embryo in each case under its own peculiar circumstances.

Every problem has its own dynamic, and if approached in the

right way by all parties, the proper solution will manifest of its own

accord, by its own inevitable logic.

Karmic Consequences Every action produces a result The soul's journey is cut-short by our actions Being irresponsible and punishing an innocent soul for our actions – is that what we want to do?

Every action produces a result

The soul's journey is cut-short by our actions

Being irresponsible and punishing an innocent soul for our actions – is that what we want to do?

The Birth of a Child Not just from a physical act Parents pray for a good soul to come into their family

Not just from a physical act

Parents pray for a good soul to come into their family

Karmic Counterpoint The story of Ganga and Shantanu Famous painting by Raja Ravi Verma

Practical Ethical Test Is there any selfishness in the decision making process?

Is there any selfishness in the decision making process?

From Ethical to Legal Why would Pro-Choice and Pro-Life be mutually exclusive? What if both are recognized as separate legal rights?

Why would Pro-Choice and Pro-Life be mutually exclusive?

What if both are recognized as separate legal rights?